STEARNS HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR DEFICIT REDUCTION

Washington, Jan 31, 2006 - "Tonight, President Bush reminded us that we, as Americans, control our own destiny, and that we must use our leadership to oppose tyranny, expand democracy, and promote economic growth at home and abroad.  He explained that this is not a time to retreat within our own borders, abandoning our commitments.  As he noted, if we withdrew from the War on Terror, 'the terrorists would not leave us alone.  They would simply move the battlefield to our own shores.'  We must complete our mission in Iraq by developing an Iraqi security system capable of protecting the Iraqi people's hard-won freedoms, then we can leave with honor."

"He also spoke of maintaining our competitiveness in a global economy and enhancing economic growth.  This means reducing our dependence on imported oil, creating new opportunities at home, improving our educational system, and making health care more accessible and more affordable.  I have a bill that would accomplish the President's stated goal of affordable health insurance, H.R. 218, the Health Care Tax Deduction Act of 2005.  However, I wish the President had emphasized more the need to control the growth in federal spending, especially in light of disaster relief, the War on Terror, and increasing energy prices.  The deficit poses a long-term threat to our economic vitality."

"I look forward to working with the President in making our nation more secure, achieving victory in the War on Terror, and enhancing the quality of life for the American people.  I share the President's belief that we are 'a compassionate, decent, hopeful society.'"